0:00:00 > 0:00:06Business statement, the Leader of the House. The Leader of the House.
0:00:06 > 0:00:13Andrea Leadsom. Thank you Mr Speaker. The business for the week
0:00:13 > 0:00:18renting the 5th of March will be one Monday the 5th of March two reading
0:00:18 > 0:00:22of the data protection Bill. Tuesday the 6th of March, the second reading
0:00:22 > 0:00:28of the act trick gas and tariff cap bill. Opposition Day on Wednesday
0:00:28 > 0:00:42the sixth. There will be a debate in the name of various parties. Then on
0:00:42 > 0:00:46national women's Day. And then a month mark the house will not sit.
0:00:46 > 0:00:52The business for the week of 12th of March includes on the 12th, the
0:00:52 > 0:00:56remaining stages of the financial guidance and claims will. Mr Speaker
0:00:56 > 0:01:05can I wish all members happy Davids Day. I am told that as happy Saint
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Davids Day for all non-Welsh speakers amongst us. I am think I am
0:01:08 > 0:01:14sure but somebody will know about me right if I am wrong this house has a
0:01:14 > 0:01:21great and talented Welsh MPs and I wish they may happy St David's Day,
0:01:21 > 0:01:25I can see plenty of daffodil pins in the chamber representing today in a
0:01:25 > 0:01:28valleys David's Day but also married to rebut great daffodil appeal and
0:01:28 > 0:01:34so Speaker as ovarian cancer awareness month begins we are all
0:01:34 > 0:01:40incredibly gatefold to the work of palliative care nurses doing such
0:01:40 > 0:01:49good work to support people.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53To improve early diagnosis and this awareness month will support that.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58And lastly, Mr Speaker, today is world book Day. Much like in the
0:01:58 > 0:02:01Chronicles of Narnia, members will be aware that today is very much
0:02:01 > 0:02:07winter outside but not Christmas. So from Alice in Wonderland to the
0:02:07 > 0:02:12Tiger to count tea, long may we long share our love of reading and
0:02:12 > 0:02:16continue to encourage children of all ages to share their pleasures in
0:02:16 > 0:02:24a good book. Thank you.Thank you, Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, I am really
0:02:24 > 0:02:32worried about parliamentary sovereignty. I note that leader has
0:02:32 > 0:02:35not announced business beyond the 12th of March but let me help her
0:02:35 > 0:02:38and the government because I understand that the spring statement
0:02:38 > 0:02:42will be on the 13th of March and that was announced by the Treasury
0:02:42 > 0:02:47in a very fancy infographics. So I'm sorry that the Leader of the House
0:02:47 > 0:02:51could not even announced the spring statement. And no announcement of
0:02:51 > 0:02:58Wendy Brown Minister is coming to the House to make a statement to the
0:02:58 > 0:03:03House -- of when the Prime Minister is coming to the House. Can the
0:03:03 > 0:03:05Leader of the House confirmed that the Prime Minister will be making
0:03:05 > 0:03:10her speech here and could she confirm if it is going to be in
0:03:10 > 0:03:14Aberdeen or somewhere else? Mr Speaker, I see the government may
0:03:14 > 0:03:20have a new policy called pure illusion. It sounds like an new
0:03:20 > 0:03:24perfume. The European Council president Donald Tusk knows about it
0:03:24 > 0:03:28but that is even before we have debated it. And while we welcome him
0:03:28 > 0:03:34to the UK and sure he will want to welcome -- remind ligament again
0:03:34 > 0:03:42that is a cherry blossom time not cherry picking. And what... It was
0:03:42 > 0:03:44whispered yesterday, is someone, anyone, come into the House to
0:03:44 > 0:03:49explain it so that we can ask questions about it? Mr Speaker, a
0:03:49 > 0:03:54written statement was made yesterday by our friend the member of
0:03:54 > 0:04:00Carshalton. He said that the sponsor body and the dedicated body need
0:04:00 > 0:04:05primary legislation to be set up. Could the Leader of the House say
0:04:05 > 0:04:09when that is likely to come to the House, next year or the year after?
0:04:09 > 0:04:16And Austria... On the eligibility of free school meals and abolishing
0:04:16 > 0:04:23nursing bursaries. We are now rapidly eating into the 40 days.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26Could the Leader of the House please make time for them to be debated
0:04:26 > 0:04:38because they Shadow Education Secretary... 120, 146 on childcare
0:04:38 > 0:04:41vouchers and early childcare regulations of 2018 on the national
0:04:41 > 0:04:46funding formula. And what about our next opposition day, Mr Speaker? We
0:04:46 > 0:04:50haven't had a of that and no one seems to be talking to is about when
0:04:50 > 0:04:55that is likely to be. What is the government scared of? This same with
0:04:55 > 0:05:00the... I know members of this House are so keen to debate clause five
0:05:00 > 0:05:04because the country wants to know what the position is on jobs and
0:05:04 > 0:05:10living standards. As the Speaker, there goes our sovereignty in
0:05:10 > 0:05:14Parliament tossed aside again. The same day that Ministers were in
0:05:14 > 0:05:17Chequers, the Right Honourable member for Wantage said that
0:05:17 > 0:05:21discipline has completely broken down in the parliamentary party so
0:05:21 > 0:05:24no one tells anybody off, I'm surprised some people at the back,
0:05:24 > 0:05:28because there is no power anywhere. Mr Speaker, when they do have power
0:05:28 > 0:05:31they don't want to use it and they don't want to use it against money
0:05:31 > 0:05:34launderers because a point of order that was made yesterday by my
0:05:34 > 0:05:37honourable friend for Bishop Auckland, she asked for guidance on
0:05:37 > 0:05:43the handling the anti-laundering bill. The subcommittee said they
0:05:43 > 0:05:48wanted to take clause one after clause 18 but when they got to
0:05:48 > 0:05:52clause 18, the debate. Immediately after 25 minutes. Cut the Leader of
0:05:52 > 0:05:56the House please ensure that there will be adequate time to debate the
0:05:56 > 0:06:0140 amendments and clause one, which is the clause... And actually
0:06:01 > 0:06:08strengthens our regime. There is no date for the committee stage on my
0:06:08 > 0:06:11honourable friend for Westminster North's homes fitness capitation
0:06:11 > 0:06:18bill. The stalking protection Bill the organ donation Bill all
0:06:18 > 0:06:26supported by the admin. No date for committee. Today the independent
0:06:26 > 0:06:31enquirer child sexual abuse, very important matter, publishes its
0:06:31 > 0:06:35first report into serious child abuse. Thousands of British
0:06:35 > 0:06:37government were deported by their own government and the other side of
0:06:37 > 0:06:42the world and they suffered horrific sexual abuse. The enquiry are not
0:06:42 > 0:06:46holding a press conference on their findings but are publishing a
0:06:46 > 0:06:50significant report online. There is a written report today. And the hurt
0:06:50 > 0:06:55suffered by so many. Will the government commit to making time to
0:06:55 > 0:07:00have a statement at the earliest opportunity? And Mr Speaker, at
0:07:00 > 0:07:04Prime Minister 's Mac questions last week, and honourable member who
0:07:04 > 0:07:12voted to cut police budgets... He said 10 million was being spent on
0:07:12 > 0:07:17back-office staff. The West Midlands Police and crime commission has
0:07:17 > 0:07:22confirmed to me that the staff were in fact police support staff and
0:07:22 > 0:07:25they're quite upset by that pejorative term that they use. This
0:07:25 > 0:07:31is what they do, they answer emergency 909 calls, investigate
0:07:31 > 0:07:35child abuse cases and carry-out forensics. I hope that an apology
0:07:35 > 0:07:38will be made by the Honourable member and perhaps schedule a debate
0:07:38 > 0:07:43on what police support staff actually do. Mr Speaker, we welcome
0:07:43 > 0:07:48back the Right Honourable member for old Bexley and sick up. He and the
0:07:48 > 0:07:58Prime Minister both agreed that -- Bexley and Sidcup. So the shadow
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Secretary of State made a point of order yesterday, could we have an
0:08:01 > 0:08:09urgent statement on my GPs are being paid not to make referrals. The
0:08:09 > 0:08:12Health Secretary needs to explain this policy and stop this alarming
0:08:12 > 0:08:15practice immediately. And I joined the Leader of the House in saying
0:08:15 > 0:08:20that this is the 21st world book Day. We have lost three libraries.
0:08:20 > 0:08:29And please that we can all go at three and read a book or recite a
0:08:29 > 0:08:37poem. I too want to try my Welsh and apologies to everyone person here. A
0:08:37 > 0:08:46happy Saint David's day.Excellent, but the Honourable Lady and I are
0:08:46 > 0:08:48both determined to practice our world today. My honourable friend
0:08:48 > 0:08:52who sat next to me is a Welsh speaker and he says we both did OK.
0:08:52 > 0:08:58Thank you for that. So the Honourable lady mentions
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Parliamentary sovereignty and genuinely as I have always made
0:09:01 > 0:09:04clear in business question has leader of the comments, I am
0:09:04 > 0:09:08absolutely fully respectful of the sovereignty of Parliament. My role
0:09:08 > 0:09:12is as government spokesman here in the chamber and does Parliament
0:09:12 > 0:09:17spokesman in government and I always take very seriously the questions
0:09:17 > 0:09:21and requests that are made by the honourable lady on behalf of
0:09:21 > 0:09:24opposition parties. I must say to her however that it has been made
0:09:24 > 0:09:29very clear that we are moving to a situation where we will have one
0:09:29 > 0:09:32budget each year and this statement that is coming up is a spring
0:09:32 > 0:09:37statement, so it is a statement, it is not a budget, it is not a debate.
0:09:37 > 0:09:42And therefore statements are announcing the usual way, not
0:09:42 > 0:09:45announced during business question with the future business of the
0:09:45 > 0:09:48House. Likewise, she asked whether the PM will make a statement and
0:09:48 > 0:09:54again those business measures are announcing the usual way. She asks
0:09:54 > 0:09:59about an opposition day. I have just announced opposition days play for
0:09:59 > 0:10:03the DUP. Is the honourable lady really saying that their opportunity
0:10:03 > 0:10:10to put forward matters that are of interest to the DUP Clyde are not
0:10:10 > 0:10:14valid? The honourable lady does need to recognise that there are
0:10:14 > 0:10:18different aspects around this chamber, all of whom have very valid
0:10:18 > 0:10:24input to make and we want to share out with fairness the opportunities
0:10:24 > 0:10:29to put forward new measures. She asks about the customs bill and I
0:10:29 > 0:10:35can tell her that as with the EU withdrawal bill, as with the Human
0:10:35 > 0:10:39Rights Act and many constitutional bills in the past, there can be
0:10:39 > 0:10:44periods of time between different second reading on a committee stage,
0:10:44 > 0:10:49and the honourable lady will recognise that these are not delays,
0:10:49 > 0:10:55there are opportunities to consider amendments, consider government
0:10:55 > 0:10:59policy, improve legislation, these are not delays. And the honourable
0:10:59 > 0:11:05lady is just wrong to portray it as a delay. And each of those bills
0:11:05 > 0:11:11will come forward in good time and I am absolutely committed with my role
0:11:11 > 0:11:14of seeing through legislation to ensure that all about Brexit
0:11:14 > 0:11:18legislation comes in good time. She specifically mentions the honourable
0:11:18 > 0:11:25ladypoint of order and what I can say to her as my right honourable
0:11:25 > 0:11:30friend said in committee, the motion was brought forward an agreed by the
0:11:30 > 0:11:33committee to adjourn so that they committee could debate a very
0:11:33 > 0:11:36significant amendment in a full session. And I can talk the
0:11:36 > 0:11:39honourable lady that the committee meeting started ten minutes ago and
0:11:39 > 0:11:44they are indeed taking forward that very detailed amendment right now.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49So I think she should be reassured by that. And finally she talks about
0:11:49 > 0:11:54private members bills. There are a number of opposition and government
0:11:54 > 0:11:58private member's bills that have been brought forward by members of
0:11:58 > 0:12:02the opposition and members of this side of the House. We are delighted
0:12:02 > 0:12:05to be sporting them, there are no delays, they're not stacking up.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08They're going through their committee stages. When they receive
0:12:08 > 0:12:13the support of the House in the usual way. So I am afraid I just do
0:12:13 > 0:12:25not accept what the legislation and all the consideration of opposition
0:12:25 > 0:12:32days in the usual way.Will my right honourable friend find time for
0:12:32 > 0:12:37debate on the removal of diesel particulate filters from vehicles
0:12:37 > 0:12:41without replacing them? It does appear that there is a legal
0:12:41 > 0:12:45loophole whereby vehicles can be modified to improve their
0:12:45 > 0:12:48performance whilst there is absolutely no regard for the damage
0:12:48 > 0:12:54done to people's health?My honourable friend raises an
0:12:54 > 0:12:59incredibly important point. The quality of care and people's health
0:12:59 > 0:13:02impacted by diesel particulates is absolutely vital and we are
0:13:02 > 0:13:07determined to improve air quality. DFT takes his particular point very
0:13:07 > 0:13:11seriously and has published guidance on modifying vehicles and mission
0:13:11 > 0:13:14systems, modifying the vehicle in the way he suggests is not in line
0:13:14 > 0:13:18with current legislation and the Department has recently instructed
0:13:18 > 0:13:21officials to investigate creating a specific offence for the removal of
0:13:21 > 0:13:29particulate filters. Yet Mr Speaker, can I thank the Leader of the House
0:13:29 > 0:13:32for announcing the business of next week. And here is my go. I hope I
0:13:32 > 0:13:38can impress our honourable member. I also note all the daffodils in the
0:13:38 > 0:13:43chamber today and looking outside, Mr Speaker, I think that is more the
0:13:43 > 0:13:47hope over experience as we face one of the worst snowstorms with half a
0:13:47 > 0:13:52number of years. I suppose there are only two items of business this week
0:13:52 > 0:13:55and that the beast from the east and the Foreign Secretary. One is a
0:13:55 > 0:14:00white out delivering havoc and chaos wherever it goes and the other is of
0:14:00 > 0:14:07course the beast from the East. I wonder I could help the Foreign
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Secretary, we could maybe have congestion charges and gently
0:14:11 > 0:14:15explain to the Foreign Secretary how congestion charge loans are just a
0:14:15 > 0:14:19little bit different from international borders and it's now
0:14:19 > 0:14:2324 hours since the Foreign Secretary said he would publish this letter on
0:14:23 > 0:14:27an Irish hardboard. So when can we expect to see it? Surely the office
0:14:27 > 0:14:34should be liberated and continue to confound baffle the country. The and
0:14:34 > 0:14:39red warnings over almost all of Scotland and large parts of the rest
0:14:39 > 0:14:43of the UK and advice not to travel, hence why we are in such numbers.
0:14:43 > 0:14:48But I'm quite surprised that there is no plan for statement planned by
0:14:48 > 0:14:53the government is this nation clings to partial halt. Particular we have
0:14:53 > 0:14:56heard from the national grid saying that there is a gas and deficit
0:14:56 > 0:15:00warning over fears that supplies could run out. So before we all
0:15:00 > 0:15:04leave for today some of those leaves today, could someone come from the
0:15:04 > 0:15:07government give a statement just about what provisions plans and
0:15:07 > 0:15:13provisions are in place that Italy's Wien encounter difficulties over the
0:15:13 > 0:15:21weekend. And lastly, where devolution settlement remains under
0:15:21 > 0:15:25threat. Can we have a statement about what progress has been made in
0:15:25 > 0:15:28resolving these issues and critically what is being done to
0:15:28 > 0:15:31ensure that democracy is being respected in every nation of this
0:15:31 > 0:15:38United Kingdom?Welcome Mr Speaker, and love that the honourable
0:15:38 > 0:15:41gentleman has clarified that the reason for so many of his friends
0:15:41 > 0:15:44being here today is because of inclement weather because I thought
0:15:44 > 0:15:48they were here to wind me up about Calcutta Cup! But what I would like
0:15:48 > 0:15:56to say... What I would like to say through gritted teeth is that whilst
0:15:56 > 0:15:59I have not seen Scotland play so well frankly since the Hastings
0:15:59 > 0:16:03brothers, which was a very long time ago, they played superbly and I am
0:16:03 > 0:16:08delighted that they are in part a member of the home team being part
0:16:08 > 0:16:12of the great United Kingdom so I'd much rather see Scotland beat has
0:16:12 > 0:16:15done France Peters, if I'm allowed to say that in this place, Mr
0:16:15 > 0:16:21Speaker.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24I have a different perspective on Boris. I think he often says things
0:16:24 > 0:16:28as they are and who says things in an amusing way. He also makes a very
0:16:28 > 0:16:33good point that it is absolutely clear that we will not have a hard
0:16:33 > 0:16:36border in Northern Ireland. It is absolutely the case. We are
0:16:36 > 0:16:40committed to that. The Republic of Ireland is committed to that and the
0:16:40 > 0:16:45European Union is committed to that. He talks about contingency plans for
0:16:45 > 0:16:51severe weather, it is a very serious issue. I hope I can reassure him,
0:16:51 > 0:16:54obviously, we have just had transport questions and this is just
0:16:54 > 0:17:01come up from a number of honourable members, transport departments,
0:17:01 > 0:17:05school closures, the NHS, all have very carefully laid severe weather
0:17:05 > 0:17:13plans and I would just like to paid tribute to those who are out there
0:17:13 > 0:17:17in the terrible weather trying to do people out of snow drifts and so on.
0:17:17 > 0:17:22There are very good plans that are available. If he has specific issues
0:17:22 > 0:17:27about his constituency or any of his honourable friend's constituencies I
0:17:27 > 0:17:35will be very happy to raise them. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Could we have
0:17:35 > 0:17:44a statement on the actions of the West Essex... With a little
0:17:44 > 0:17:49forewarning of the closure. It has caused misery for nearly 3000
0:17:49 > 0:17:55patients many of them elderly. Will my honourable friend ask the health
0:17:55 > 0:18:04minister to write to West Essex ECG and get them to restore this for
0:18:04 > 0:18:09residence.The issues of surgeries in our own constituencies is
0:18:09 > 0:18:13absolutely vital. Having looked into this, I am told that the Department
0:18:13 > 0:18:17of Health and social care don't have a record of my right honourable
0:18:17 > 0:18:21friend's letter and they do apologise if this is due to any
0:18:21 > 0:18:25error on their part and they will certainly write to him. We do
0:18:25 > 0:18:28recognise the importance of primary care, we are investing in it to
0:18:28 > 0:18:34expand access and recruit an additional 5000 GPs, as he knows, we
0:18:34 > 0:18:41would expect consultation and engagement if NHS England would
0:18:41 > 0:18:46decide on services that would lead to substantial reconfiguration.I'm
0:18:46 > 0:18:50afraid to say that the beast from the East has taken a number of
0:18:50 > 0:18:54victims and there are no trains currently crossing the border on the
0:18:54 > 0:18:58east coast or West Coast Main line to Scotland's. But I am afraid to
0:18:58 > 0:19:02say that when the beast from the East meets storm Emma it will take
0:19:02 > 0:19:07further victims and one of those victims will be the business of this
0:19:07 > 0:19:17House at the request of Welsh members to settle a debate on Welsh
0:19:17 > 0:19:20affairs has been cancelled so they can travel home safely. I do
0:19:20 > 0:19:26apologise to the right honourable members from Wales. But that is
0:19:26 > 0:19:31understandable given the conditions. Could I ask the Leader of the House,
0:19:31 > 0:19:35currently the Backbench Business committee has only six members we
0:19:35 > 0:19:40are two down from the government's side and given the fact that we have
0:19:40 > 0:19:44a core of four it makes life extremely difficult for us. Could we
0:19:44 > 0:19:50ask that the government replaces its members as soon as possible so we
0:19:50 > 0:19:58can continue operating. Lastly, can I thank and congratulate staff from
0:19:58 > 0:20:02my own counsel, all staff are out gritting and snow ploughing across
0:20:02 > 0:20:08the borough in really adverse conditions. So, put on record my
0:20:08 > 0:20:14thanks to all of them?First of all, I'm sorry to hear that the
0:20:14 > 0:20:18businesses afternoon will be disturbed. My honourable friend is
0:20:18 > 0:20:22slightly devastated because this was his chance to shine as well.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24Nevertheless, completely understandable. It is very difficult
0:20:24 > 0:20:28for people with their travel arrangements. I do join him in
0:20:28 > 0:20:31congratulating all those people who are out there gritting and trying to
0:20:31 > 0:20:40clear away smoke. Quite a number of schoolchildren are out in villages
0:20:40 > 0:20:46clearing people's steps for them which is fantastic to say. From the
0:20:46 > 0:20:49government's side I will certainly see that we act on it so that the
0:20:49 > 0:20:56committee has its members.We have a debate on the non-levy
0:20:56 > 0:21:02apprenticeship tender. Unfortunately, some very good
0:21:02 > 0:21:05colleges such as Stafford, Newcastle-under-Lyme and shoes
0:21:05 > 0:21:09breach were not successful in this tender and I have some very grave
0:21:09 > 0:21:21concerns over its operation.I'm very sorry to hear that I encourage
0:21:21 > 0:21:27you to seek an adjournment debate so we can a point with ministers.Mr
0:21:27 > 0:21:32Speaker, I am not Welsh but I have two children born in Wales. So happy
0:21:32 > 0:21:37Saint Davids Day. Could I ask the Members of the House and say in
0:21:37 > 0:21:44passing, congratulate her on mentioning cancer charities today. I
0:21:44 > 0:21:49will be walking in a march, snow permitting, on Sunday raising money
0:21:49 > 0:21:55for a cancer hospital. Can we have an early statement on visitors and
0:21:55 > 0:22:00how we treat visitors to this House? I think we are in danger of getting
0:22:00 > 0:22:03to the stage that one well-connected people can come here without a
0:22:03 > 0:22:10member and book tables in our restaurants. Yesterday, I had a
0:22:10 > 0:22:14large party who struggled down on a coach, campaigning to keep
0:22:14 > 0:22:23Huddersfield Royal Infirmary open, they had a blue Huddersfield colour
0:22:23 > 0:22:30strip saying hands off HRA. They were told by police here to take
0:22:30 > 0:22:33them off or cover them because they were party political before they
0:22:33 > 0:22:40could go up to the party room area. If there is one rule for ordinary
0:22:40 > 0:22:44people and another for wealthy people, we should look at is very
0:22:44 > 0:22:54seriously the.It's not for the leader to decide what people should
0:22:54 > 0:23:08wear in the House. I'm just being advised by the clerk.I don't know
0:23:08 > 0:23:12where to go with this. If the honourable gentleman would like to
0:23:12 > 0:23:16write to me on this, I will certainly take it up with the
0:23:16 > 0:23:19administration committee but what I would say is that there has been
0:23:19 > 0:23:23great steps from the House commission and the honourable lady
0:23:23 > 0:23:26opposite might also recall that we did discuss the need to speed up
0:23:26 > 0:23:31shoes for people to get into this place and so on. So there are some
0:23:31 > 0:23:35lengths gone to to try and ensure that people's ease of access to this
0:23:35 > 0:23:39place is as good as it can be. On the specific point about what they
0:23:39 > 0:23:43were wearing, I was not aware of that and I will look into it if you
0:23:43 > 0:23:51write to me.Last Monday the government approved the go-ahead for
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Christchurch Council to be amalgamated with other Dorset
0:23:53 > 0:23:56councils. There was a referendum. I'm not getting that in my
0:23:56 > 0:24:03constituency. My constituency wants a referendum to decide the future of
0:24:03 > 0:24:07its council. We are being ignored and democracy is being ignored.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10Could we have a debate about the protection of democracy in local
0:24:10 > 0:24:15councils?My honourable friend raises an important issue about
0:24:15 > 0:24:21local democracy. I am not aware of the specific concern that he has
0:24:21 > 0:24:27about his local council but I am sure that if he wanted to take it up
0:24:27 > 0:24:35with ministers they would be able to address it.Country sports and
0:24:35 > 0:24:41shooting sports are worth 114 million pounds in the United
0:24:41 > 0:24:49Kingdom. There is a need to introduce it to a wider circle.
0:24:49 > 0:24:57Would the Leader of the House agree that it is just as good a way to
0:24:57 > 0:25:02deliver food?I completely agree with the honourable gentleman that
0:25:02 > 0:25:06game is delicious and very good for you and just as cheap. I do
0:25:06 > 0:25:13encourage him to raise that on Thursday the 8th of March where he
0:25:13 > 0:25:23can ask ministers is arguable doing to expand the retail use.Very
0:25:23 > 0:25:29shortly the government will be announcing the recipients for the
0:25:29 > 0:25:32Northern cultural regeneration fund, perhaps the Leader of the House will
0:25:32 > 0:25:38find time for a debate on this subject so we can explain why the
0:25:38 > 0:25:42Odeon in Bradford will be such a worthy recipient which would do a
0:25:42 > 0:25:47huge amount to regenerate the city of Bradford. If there is no time for
0:25:47 > 0:25:51debate, perhaps you just and told the relevant Minister to give the
0:25:51 > 0:25:58money to the Odeon in Bradford and let's be done with it.Well, Mr
0:25:58 > 0:26:02Speaker, if only I had such influence. My honourable friend is a
0:26:02 > 0:26:06great champion for his area and I do encourage him to seek an adjournment
0:26:06 > 0:26:12debate so he can make his pitch direct.The President of the
0:26:12 > 0:26:15European Council said in a speech this morning that the government's
0:26:15 > 0:26:21red lines that they set themselves on Europe are incompatible with
0:26:21 > 0:26:24frictionless trade and a borderless islands. Can we have a debate in
0:26:24 > 0:26:29this House which we have not had yet on the consequence of the elements's
0:26:29 > 0:26:34red lines on Brexit negotiations. The government's red lines that we
0:26:34 > 0:26:37are leaving the European union in 2019 in line with the referendum. It
0:26:37 > 0:26:43means we are leaving the customs union and is European market and are
0:26:43 > 0:26:47taking back control of our borders. Everything is in negotiation, the
0:26:47 > 0:26:52government has been clear that we want to seek low friction trade, we
0:26:52 > 0:26:56want is zero tariff barriers and zero nontariff barriers wherever
0:26:56 > 0:27:01possible. The Prime Minister is going to make a speech tomorrow on
0:27:01 > 0:27:04exactly are negotiating position at the honourable gentleman must
0:27:04 > 0:27:07realise that there are not hard and fast answers at the moment. This is
0:27:07 > 0:27:13a negotiation and what somebody from the European Commission might have
0:27:13 > 0:27:15said someone from the European Council might have said does not
0:27:15 > 0:27:24make it the fact.Thank you, Mr Speaker. Last week saw yet another
0:27:24 > 0:27:30abuse of leaseholders in my constituency. This time some flat
0:27:30 > 0:27:35owners received bills of up to £8,000 in ground rents. Can we have
0:27:35 > 0:27:39a statement on important government work on leases which is short review
0:27:39 > 0:27:46periods?I can tell my honourable friend that I met with the Secretary
0:27:46 > 0:27:50of State on that subject just this week with my role in looking at
0:27:50 > 0:27:54policy. He raises a very serious matter and these are the sorts of
0:27:54 > 0:28:00abuses need to be stopped. We are committed to doing through our
0:28:00 > 0:28:04programme of leasehold reforms. To prevent the sale of new build
0:28:04 > 0:28:07leasehold houses except where necessary. Making certain that
0:28:07 > 0:28:13ground rents on new long leases for both houses and flats are set at
0:28:13 > 0:28:16zero financial value. Working with the Law Commission to support
0:28:16 > 0:28:21existing leaseholders. And working on extending a lease much easier and
0:28:21 > 0:28:32cheaper.Mr Speaker, hopefully I can indulge the House on a personal
0:28:32 > 0:28:40story. Last year I received will warning on my home in Scotland, it
0:28:40 > 0:28:44turns out that someone with my name in England skipped a us fair. That
0:28:44 > 0:28:52Alan Brown did not respond to any correspondence so an additional fine
0:28:52 > 0:28:57was levied in his absence. It was passed to a private collection
0:28:57 > 0:29:02company who decided they were just target random people called Alan
0:29:02 > 0:29:06Brown and they served an audit myself in Scotland. The company
0:29:06 > 0:29:10would not budge but I managed to get them to cancel proceedings. But just
0:29:10 > 0:29:17last week I got another notification of a warrant on a property. Can we
0:29:17 > 0:29:28debate in this House the English courts system presuming innocence
0:29:28 > 0:29:32before guilt and why the English courts system are using private
0:29:32 > 0:29:36companies to extract money from people?Maybe we should have a
0:29:36 > 0:29:40debate about why so many people are called Alan Brown. That is the
0:29:40 > 0:29:45fundamental issue here. He raises a serious point about the way that
0:29:45 > 0:29:50some collection companies will just pursue random people but also eschew
0:29:50 > 0:29:56people to the point of doing serious harm. He raises a very serious point
0:29:56 > 0:30:03and to seek an adjournment debate on this particular issue.I can tell
0:30:03 > 0:30:05the honourable member there are always good lawyers available, even
0:30:05 > 0:30:14at short notice. Mr Speaker, much of the debate so far about the European
0:30:14 > 0:30:21Commission's draft text has centred upon Northern Ireland but hidden
0:30:21 > 0:30:27away in one of the footnotes to that text is a regrettably restatements
0:30:27 > 0:30:34that Spain would have a veto on the application of the transition and
0:30:34 > 0:30:37final agreements to the overseas British territory of Gibraltar. Can
0:30:37 > 0:30:43we have an early or immediate statement from the Leader of the
0:30:43 > 0:30:50House that Her Majesty's government believes that such a scenario is
0:30:50 > 0:30:54wholly unacceptable and Britain will never agree to any arrangement that
0:30:54 > 0:30:57excludes Gibraltar from being treated exactly the same as the rest
0:30:57 > 0:31:00of the UK
0:31:00 > 0:31:04treated exactly the same as the rest of the UK?I hope I can give my
0:31:04 > 0:31:09honourable friend the assurance that Gibraltar's interest will be
0:31:09 > 0:31:13protected as will every other part of the United Kingdom. He raises an
0:31:13 > 0:31:16important point. He will be aware that the Prime Minister is making a
0:31:16 > 0:31:19key speech tomorrow and I will certainly make sure that I pass on
0:31:19 > 0:31:26his comments.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31Those well subscribed first debate I keen that we progress. Questions are
0:31:31 > 0:31:36long so it would be good if they could be shorter.Can I just start
0:31:36 > 0:31:40by saying how pleased I was the leader mentioned the trust and the
0:31:40 > 0:31:45fact that this is the month of ovarian cancer awareness. That's
0:31:45 > 0:31:50very important that we mark that and remember it. I wanted to raise with
0:31:50 > 0:31:54the Leader of the House that there is a broad consensus that faster
0:31:54 > 0:31:58connectivity between East and West is vital for the northern
0:31:58 > 0:32:03powerhouse. However in May we have a revised timetable trans-Pennine that
0:32:03 > 0:32:08will result in slower journeys from Hull. Whole and the Humber Chamber
0:32:08 > 0:32:12of Commerce have tried to meet with trans-Pennine to discuss this but
0:32:12 > 0:32:16have not been able to get very far and I'm sure the leader would say
0:32:16 > 0:32:19that it is important that meeting would go ahead but at the same time
0:32:19 > 0:32:24could we have a debate in the House of Commons about the fact it's not
0:32:24 > 0:32:27just south north collectivity that is important but East West
0:32:27 > 0:32:34connectivity as well.I certainly agree with the honourable lady that
0:32:34 > 0:32:38that East West connectivity is vital. I hope she was able to attend
0:32:38 > 0:32:43transport questions because this would be a question very directly
0:32:43 > 0:32:47answerable by Ministers there. We are delivering unprecedented
0:32:47 > 0:32:51investment in better transport across the North. Over £13 billion
0:32:51 > 0:32:55which is the largest in government history. But as to the specific
0:32:55 > 0:32:59point she raises, I do encourage her to take that up directly with
0:32:59 > 0:33:04transport Ministers.Next week is national apprenticeship week. Please
0:33:04 > 0:33:07could we have a debate is the highlight the opportunities
0:33:07 > 0:33:11available for people starting an apprenticeship. I'm aware that the
0:33:11 > 0:33:15best advocates for an apprenticeship are apprentices but if we can have a
0:33:15 > 0:33:21debate and do our best to fill the gap.I completely agree with my
0:33:21 > 0:33:25honourable friend that apprentices are a fantastic opportunity for
0:33:25 > 0:33:31young people. I can say that in my seven years as an MP I've had seven
0:33:31 > 0:33:34apprentices from my own schools in my constituency and I thoroughly
0:33:34 > 0:33:38commend that to all members in this place that it has been brilliant for
0:33:38 > 0:33:43me and those individuals. A really worthwhile experience. We now do
0:33:43 > 0:33:48have more than 3 million apprentices start since 2010. It is something
0:33:48 > 0:33:51the government is committed to is a very good choice for young people
0:33:51 > 0:33:55and I encourage my honourable friend to seek a backbench business debate
0:33:55 > 0:33:59on this subject because I'm sure a lot of members would want to talk
0:33:59 > 0:34:06about their own experiences.Given employment law can I have a
0:34:06 > 0:34:11statement on employment law... To remain at work to come into work
0:34:11 > 0:34:15when there is a red weather warning. I read reports in Scotland of
0:34:15 > 0:34:19employers refusing to release staff went public transport is not
0:34:19 > 0:34:26available. Does she give as acceptable?Clearly all employers,
0:34:26 > 0:34:29public sector and private sector should take very careful heed of
0:34:29 > 0:34:32severe weather warnings and particularly the red warnings that
0:34:32 > 0:34:35we have seen across some parts of the United Kingdom. I absolutely
0:34:35 > 0:34:40encourage the honourable gentleman to urge employers in his
0:34:40 > 0:34:43constituency to listen to those warnings and release people where
0:34:43 > 0:34:52necessary.Was reported in the local press in the Scottish Borders that
0:34:52 > 0:34:58transport transport Scotland study... Was not going to be viable.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02If this is the case it is going to be bad news for my constituency and
0:35:02 > 0:35:07indeed those in Cumbria. Given their bringing the railway to Carlisle is
0:35:07 > 0:35:11going to involve investment from the UK Government can I ask for a debate
0:35:11 > 0:35:16on the benefits of extending the Borders railway to Carlisle?My
0:35:16 > 0:35:20honourable friend is a great champion for his constituency and
0:35:20 > 0:35:24what I can say to him is that the UK Government is committed to working
0:35:24 > 0:35:34with the Scottish Government to drive forward the cross-border
0:35:34 > 0:35:37borderland steel and we do hope to agree a deal later this year which
0:35:37 > 0:35:39will see significant investment to transform the local economies within
0:35:39 > 0:35:41the borderlands area and I know that funding for a study for reopening
0:35:41 > 0:35:47the line that he mentions is being sought as part of this proposition.
0:35:47 > 0:35:53It has been one hell of a week particularly for my little sister. A
0:35:53 > 0:35:57week last Saturday my sister broke her neck. She was in Blackburn
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Hospital for three days until was a bad free for her at Preston Hospital
0:36:00 > 0:36:05where they could operate. Thankfully the operation went well. Me, my
0:36:05 > 0:36:10sister and all of my family are so grateful to all the hard-working
0:36:10 > 0:36:16doctors, nurses and all of the staff in the NHS. One thing that I noticed
0:36:16 > 0:36:24is all the extra hours before and after their shift that the doctors
0:36:24 > 0:36:27and nurses were doing. Can we have a debate on the extra hours done by
0:36:27 > 0:36:30our public sector workers?Can I say first wishing her sister the very
0:36:30 > 0:36:34best for a speedy recovery and that must've been a real shock to all of
0:36:34 > 0:36:38her family. So I think we'd all like to pass on our very best wishes. I'd
0:36:38 > 0:36:45also secondly a enormous gratitude and respect to all those who work so
0:36:45 > 0:36:49hard in the national Health Service. It is amazing what they achieve and
0:36:49 > 0:36:53the commitment that is shown by workers in the national Health
0:36:53 > 0:36:56Service. We do have many opportunities for debate on the NHS
0:36:56 > 0:37:01in this chamber and we have held many such debates and what I can say
0:37:01 > 0:37:06to the honourable lady is that there is nearly 15,000 more doctors and
0:37:06 > 0:37:10over 14,000 more nurses on our wards since 2010. There is much more to
0:37:10 > 0:37:19do. We are undertaking one of the ever in the NHS to start training
0:37:19 > 0:37:21more doctors and nurses. The biggest training programme in our history.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25We do want to alleviate some of the pressures but I'd like to pay
0:37:25 > 0:37:31tribute to the excellent work they do.Today is the commemoration of
0:37:31 > 0:37:35celebration of the delivery of the Jewish people from the evil Persian
0:37:35 > 0:37:44king. It is also holding the first day of spring celebrated by Hindus,
0:37:44 > 0:37:48Sikhs, James and Buddhists worldwide. Both these festivals
0:37:48 > 0:37:51celebrate the triumph of good over evil so will my right honourable
0:37:51 > 0:37:58friend join me in wishing everybody...Well I'm grateful to my
0:37:58 > 0:38:03honourable friend from raising both of those celebrations am delighted
0:38:03 > 0:38:06to join with him in congratulating all those wishing a very happy
0:38:06 > 0:38:17period of time.Happy Saint Davids Day. Congratulations to the leader
0:38:17 > 0:38:21in the shadow leader and the SNP Leader of the House for using the
0:38:21 > 0:38:25Welsh language. Which we were allowed historically to use recently
0:38:25 > 0:38:28in the Welsh grand committee in this House and I was pleased to make a
0:38:28 > 0:38:31speech in the Welsh language. Has the leader considered whether that
0:38:31 > 0:38:37very welcome extension could be extended into the chamber now that
0:38:37 > 0:38:41technology makes it perfectly possible to have a freewheeling
0:38:41 > 0:38:46House of common style debate using translation equipment?The
0:38:46 > 0:38:49honourable gentleman makes an interesting suggestion and I'm happy
0:38:49 > 0:38:56to discuss with him further.I'm very grateful because I've had
0:38:56 > 0:38:59constituents in contact with me overnight very concerned about the
0:38:59 > 0:39:04fact that Northamptonshire County Council seem to be closing libraries
0:39:04 > 0:39:07apart from one day a week and this has happened without any
0:39:07 > 0:39:11consultation with the public and I surprised because this is in this
0:39:11 > 0:39:14year's budget, not in the budget that's been so well talked about a
0:39:14 > 0:39:17year ahead in the media. Could we have an urgent statement on this
0:39:17 > 0:39:22because people in Northamptonshire are very concerned about what has
0:39:22 > 0:39:26happened?My honourable friend raises an issue that is a very
0:39:26 > 0:39:30important to both his and my constituencies and there are seven
0:39:30 > 0:39:32members of Parliament in Northamptonshire who are concerned
0:39:32 > 0:39:37about cuts to services. I was not aware of the particular closures
0:39:37 > 0:39:40that he mentions that but I'm very happy to take that up directly with
0:39:40 > 0:39:49Ministers on his behalf.Three weeks today we will see the sad
0:39:49 > 0:39:54anniversary of the tragic attack on Westminster. Where five people were
0:39:54 > 0:39:58killed on Westminster Bridge and then of course the death of PC Keith
0:39:58 > 0:40:04Palmer. With the leader please give the House today some idea of what
0:40:04 > 0:40:09plans there are to mark the occasion? And would she indeed, I
0:40:09 > 0:40:13regret that she could, support my early day motion which is calling on
0:40:13 > 0:40:20the renaming of carriage Gates and new Palace Yard the Palmer Gates.
0:40:20 > 0:40:26The honourable gentleman is quite right to raise the upcoming
0:40:26 > 0:40:30anniversary of those awful offence on March the 22nd. I can tell him
0:40:30 > 0:40:34that there will be commemorations in this place and that House staff are
0:40:34 > 0:40:38looking into the detail of that at the moment and announcements will be
0:40:38 > 0:40:42made as soon as possible. As to his specific point about renaming
0:40:42 > 0:40:46carriage Gates, he might like to write to me or possibly to you, Mr
0:40:46 > 0:40:54Speaker, to look into this further. I welcome the leader's comments on
0:40:54 > 0:41:04the Calcutta Cup. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. Yesterday was rare
0:41:04 > 0:41:10diseases date. Which stressed the importance of research and finding a
0:41:10 > 0:41:13cure for rare diseases of which they were up to 7000. I've been working
0:41:13 > 0:41:20with the Scottish Huntington's Association and comes a constituent
0:41:20 > 0:41:25who was diagnosed with the 216. We have a debate to mark rare diseases
0:41:25 > 0:41:29they on the importance of sustaining
0:41:29 > 0:41:34research cooperation particularly after Brexit?He's absolutely right
0:41:34 > 0:41:39to raise the importance of continued investment in research into rare
0:41:39 > 0:41:43diseases. Those who suffer from them, part of their frustration I'm
0:41:43 > 0:41:48sure it's because of the lack of funding because they are rare. Try
0:41:48 > 0:41:52doing courage to seek an adjournment debate or a backbench debate. I
0:41:52 > 0:41:57would however just like to say whilst I congratulate Scotland for
0:41:57 > 0:42:02winning the Calcutta Cup, it was through gritted teeth!Is to speak,
0:42:02 > 0:42:1020 years ago building on the work done by John Major, Tony Blair's
0:42:10 > 0:42:13Labour government was involved in intensive negotiations in Castle
0:42:13 > 0:42:17buildings in Belfast and I was there as the PBS in the Northern Ireland
0:42:17 > 0:42:23Office. And that led to the Good Friday Agreement the Good Friday
0:42:23 > 0:42:26Agreement anniversary is unfortunately during the recess so
0:42:26 > 0:42:35can we have a long debate before the House goes down for Easter, where we
0:42:35 > 0:42:41can discuss the implications of the threat to the Good Friday Agreement
0:42:41 > 0:42:45from the DUP, who were demonstrating outside when we got the agreement.
0:42:45 > 0:42:54And E R G Brexit coalition which we now have running this country?Well,
0:42:54 > 0:42:57I completely sure the honourable gentleman that the government is
0:42:57 > 0:43:04fully committed to the Good Friday Agreement and there is nothing that
0:43:04 > 0:43:09is in anyway considered that would do any damage to the Good Friday
0:43:09 > 0:43:14Agreement. But I would like to just gently suggest that those who try to
0:43:14 > 0:43:17suggest the government is in some way not committed simply because we
0:43:17 > 0:43:26are leaving the EU, that is entirely untrue and dangerous talk.And shove
0:43:26 > 0:43:31them in Leader of the House will agree with me it is time a debate
0:43:31 > 0:43:37about our industrial shipping heritage. In right icon such as the
0:43:37 > 0:43:46Royal yacht Tanya and not import in Berkshire and it is up to volunteers
0:43:46 > 0:43:49who are remaking the ship that our industrial shipping heritage once
0:43:49 > 0:43:57again set sail on the loch. I'm sure it is the leader will congratulate
0:43:57 > 0:44:03them on the work.He mentioned some very famous ships and I'm sure I can
0:44:03 > 0:44:06absolutely enjoyed congratulating him on that fine heritage in his
0:44:06 > 0:44:10constituency. And I do encourage him to seek perhaps a backbench debate
0:44:10 > 0:44:13for all those with shipping interests in their constituencies to
0:44:13 > 0:44:19come together and celebrate that proud heritage.Could in light of
0:44:19 > 0:44:24the figures that we have today from the fire Brigades union today, can
0:44:24 > 0:44:27we have an urgent debate on the funding of the Fire Service which
0:44:27 > 0:44:31has lost hundreds of millions in terms of grants. In my own
0:44:31 > 0:44:34constituency in Nottinghamshire over the next few years they will lose
0:44:34 > 0:44:3915% of grants from 2.8 million. It is not acceptable, not good enough
0:44:39 > 0:44:46mini to have a debate about it.I would say the fire brigade do a
0:44:46 > 0:44:50fantastic job, we have heard of some horrendous fires in recent months
0:44:50 > 0:44:54and of course the appalling Grunfeld is asked the Fire Brigades really
0:44:54 > 0:44:59came into their own did an incredible job for us -- Grenfell
0:44:59 > 0:45:05Tower disaster. Thankfully the number of tax Willey fires reducing
0:45:05 > 0:45:11the number of fire officers is therefore changing and adapting and
0:45:11 > 0:45:15I do encourage him to seek and a debates we can talk about specific
0:45:15 > 0:45:18issues for his constituency but overall I think the Fire Brigades
0:45:18 > 0:45:22deserve our respect and gratitude but also recognition that their role
0:45:22 > 0:45:30is changing.Yesterday Gloucestershire NHS Trust decided to
0:45:30 > 0:45:34set up a subsidiary company, that was confirmed today. I appreciate
0:45:34 > 0:45:37there is a half-hour debate next week on this subject but will the
0:45:37 > 0:45:43leader push for a longer debate, a debate that looks particularly at
0:45:43 > 0:45:46public accountability given the level of opposition to this decision
0:45:46 > 0:45:54and the reason that even MPs were cut out of any attempt to be able to
0:45:54 > 0:46:01make representations? Will she organises the back?Well, as the
0:46:01 > 0:46:04honourable gentleman pointer himself, there is a debate on this
0:46:04 > 0:46:07next Tuesday and I'm sure he will want to take that up there. I think
0:46:07 > 0:46:13what he's referring to is the decision made by some trusts to
0:46:13 > 0:46:17bring together different aspects of care in order to give a better
0:46:17 > 0:46:22service to patients and I think we should all embrace the possibility
0:46:22 > 0:46:25of better wraparound care but nevertheless if he has specific
0:46:25 > 0:46:31concerns you should raise
0:46:31 > 0:46:35We all want to pay tribute to public sector workers who have struggled
0:46:35 > 0:46:40working in this severe weather to keep vital services running. Can we
0:46:40 > 0:46:44have a statement on our preparedness for this weather? In all the years
0:46:44 > 0:46:49that I have been alive I recall that we have winter and we do have severe
0:46:49 > 0:46:52episodes of winter. But countries seem to cope with this that have
0:46:52 > 0:46:57this sort of weather on a regular basis, we seem to fall over quite
0:46:57 > 0:47:01easily. Can we have a statement on our resilience at this time? To
0:47:01 > 0:47:06learn lessons about what has happened this year to hope that we
0:47:06 > 0:47:11can keep our trains running a bit better as that people are not left
0:47:11 > 0:47:15at cold stations had no information about what is going on?The
0:47:15 > 0:47:19honourable gentleman raises an important point. Obviously we want
0:47:19 > 0:47:21to minimise disruption and it is frustrating for people when trains
0:47:21 > 0:47:26are cancelled or schools are closed and so on. Equally, he will
0:47:26 > 0:47:29recognise that there are some exceptional weather events going on
0:47:29 > 0:47:34at the moment. Whitehall's department do have very clear plans
0:47:34 > 0:47:38for destructive weather and we have heard today some of the excellent
0:47:38 > 0:47:43operations to try and dig people out of snowdrifts and make sure trains
0:47:43 > 0:47:54can run and someone. But events are learned from each event and we will
0:47:54 > 0:47:57try and do better.Can we have a statement from the Home Office
0:47:57 > 0:48:03regarding resources for immigration and the correspondence unit? All
0:48:03 > 0:48:06parties in Scotland have certainly found that recently the resources
0:48:06 > 0:48:13are not there? We have some very vulnerable constituents who fled
0:48:13 > 0:48:23war, violence, who cannot get them. The honourable gentleman often
0:48:23 > 0:48:27raises issues around the Home Office and he is absolutely right to do so.
0:48:27 > 0:48:33There are member's helpline so that there can be fast tracks concerns
0:48:33 > 0:48:36raised by members of Parliament. If he has a specific issues than I do
0:48:36 > 0:48:40encourage him to write to the Home Office ministers or if he wants to
0:48:40 > 0:48:44write to me I will take it up on his behalf.My constituents are finding
0:48:44 > 0:48:48it ever more difficult to have access to local dentists. Can we
0:48:48 > 0:48:54have a statement from the government to access from the provision of
0:48:54 > 0:49:00dentists to areas like Scunthorpe? Of course, we know that the industry
0:49:00 > 0:49:05is absolutely vital and we also know that tooth decay is becoming an
0:49:05 > 0:49:08increasing problem is unfortunately there is too much sugar being
0:49:08 > 0:49:12eating, let's be honest. So the honourable gentleman is exactly
0:49:12 > 0:49:19right to raise that but as far as the specific situation in his
0:49:19 > 0:49:24constituency, I recommend that he seeks an adjournment debate.The
0:49:24 > 0:49:28Civil Nuclear Constabulary should be able to retire with the rest of the
0:49:28 > 0:49:35police force. My understanding is that part of the government is in
0:49:35 > 0:49:39agreement with this but part of it is not. Can we have an urgent
0:49:39 > 0:49:41statement about whether there is going to be an equality in
0:49:41 > 0:49:47retirement age?Well, the honourable gentleman raises a very important
0:49:47 > 0:49:53point around equality of retirement ages. As he will know, the
0:49:53 > 0:49:57government has taken great steps to try and ensure equality of
0:49:57 > 0:50:00retirement and it continues to do so right across the public sector
0:50:00 > 0:50:06wherever we can. As to his specific points, if he would wish to raise
0:50:06 > 0:50:08that the ripple of ministers or through my office, if you would like
0:50:08 > 0:50:15to do so.Mr Speaker, sorrowfully inconsistent for blogging but it has
0:50:15 > 0:50:18just been announced that the Scottish Conservative conference
0:50:18 > 0:50:25this weekend has been announced that it is cancelled. Although many
0:50:25 > 0:50:28people are going home and spending their day at home lots of people are
0:50:28 > 0:50:33continuing to go into work with very difficult conditions. Will the
0:50:33 > 0:50:38Leader of the House join me in commending emergency service workers
0:50:38 > 0:50:43right across the United Kingdom?I'm very happy to do that, Mr Speaker.
0:50:43 > 0:50:48It is amazing is the efforts some people go to to give others say. I
0:50:48 > 0:50:52include the emergency services and many councils but across the United
0:50:52 > 0:50:56Kingdom who are out there gritting and sweeping away Snow sooner we can
0:50:56 > 0:51:02all get home.I hope this is not another sign of Russian interference
0:51:02 > 0:51:06in Scottish politics with the beast from the East! I wonder if the
0:51:06 > 0:51:09Leader of the House can tell us when a minister will next come to the
0:51:09 > 0:51:13House to explain if anything what the government is doing to support
0:51:13 > 0:51:22the striking university lecturers. Striking constituents in Glasgow
0:51:22 > 0:51:25University want to see progress so that they can get back to teaching
0:51:25 > 0:51:29their students. What pressure will the government make sure that
0:51:29 > 0:51:36lecturer pensions are protected?As the honourable gentleman will know,
0:51:36 > 0:51:41it is for universities to resolve this crisis and ministers are
0:51:41 > 0:51:44working hard to try and ensure that all sides come to the table but I
0:51:44 > 0:51:49have to say that having an eldest child who is graduating this year,
0:51:49 > 0:51:54who is at the brunt of having no lecturers, no input and no tuition
0:51:54 > 0:51:57and no face time, it is extremely difficult for the students were done
0:51:57 > 0:52:01nothing wrong and who are paid for their education to be faced with
0:52:01 > 0:52:06having no input in what is a crucial time for many of them. I would
0:52:06 > 0:52:11personally urge lecturers not to punish students for this dispute.